Beautifully restored Tuscan farmhouse - large pool & terrace, fantastic views
About the property
- Farmhouse1937 sq. ft.
- Bedrooms5
- Sleeps12
- Bathrooms2
- Half Baths0
- Minimum Stay3 - 7 nights
Covivoli : 4-5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, big pool, amazing views, wifi, close to amenities & beautiful towns
This 100 year old farmhouse has been restored to a very high standard, with many original features, such as terracotta tile floors and wooden beamed ceilings, plus modern bathrooms and kitchen. Outside there is a shady pergola and a large sun terrace, leading directly to a 12x6 metre (c.40x20 feet) swimming pool. Set in 2 acres of olive, fig and cherry trees, Covivoli has magnificent, uninterrupted views across the Tuscan hills.
Covivoli is in eastern Tuscany near the border with Umbria. Close to the beautiful, historic towns of Caprese Michelangelo (Michelangelo's birthplace), Anghiari and Sansepolcro, it makes a perfect country retreat from which to explore. Choose from site-seeing in Arezzo, Cortona, Perugia, Sienna, Assissi or Florence, a trip to one of the local markets or a night out any of the numerous superb local restaurants - or simply relax on the terrace, soaking up the views, the sun and a bottle of the local vintage.
Covivoli has 3 double bedrooms, 1 twin bedroom and a second living room with a good quality sofabed, sleeping 10 adults comfortably. There are 2 travelling cots for babies plus 2 spare single mattresses, so Covivoli can accommodate a maximum of 12-14 people/children/babies.
Owner
Gareth Edmunds
- Response time:
- within a few days
- Speaks:
- english, french, italian, Happy to try to converse in any European language!
- Calendar last updated:
- Apr 09, 2018
About Gareth Edmunds
Kate and Gareth live in Bristol with their two young children, Mathilda and George. Kate is a graphic designer and illustrator, and has her own successful business selling children's colour-in products worldwide. Gareth is a marketing manager. We bought Covivoli in July 2003, seduced as much by the location as the potential of the house itself. With Mathilda just a toddler and George only 3 months old, we moved to Italy in 2004 to spend more than six months overseeing the complete renovation of both farmhouse and grounds. In 2005 we returned to England (to friends and family, and work), but we spend as much time as we can in Tuscany, often with a big group of friends, enjoying relaxing holidays and exploring new places. Our favourite months are May and June.
Gareth Edmunds purchased this Farmhouse in 2003
Why Gareth Edmunds chose Caprese Michelangelo
We loved Covivoli from the moment we set eyes on it. Yes, the house was falling down, and everything was overgrown, but its location, set in olive groves with fantastic views across the valley, secluded yet close to amenities, made it ideal. We already knew Tuscany well, having enjoyed many holidays there, but we both agreed this was our favourite part. It has everything: lovely countryside, historic towns, great restaurants and friendly people, and although well known to Italians, it sees few foreign tourists, which somehow makes it feel even more authentic and special. Now, after all the hard work renovating the house, re-landscaping and building the pool and pergola, our enthusiasm for Covivoli, the area and its people, has not diminished. In fact, the more we go, the more we love it.
What makes this Farmhouse unique
We've probably said enough already, but feel free to contact us if you want to know more. All we would like to add is a big, big thank you to Fernanda and Mario, who look after Covivoli for us. They are amazing. As the many amazing guest comments make clear, Covivoli would not be the same without our dear friends, Fernanda and Mario.
Amenities
- Internet
- Air Conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Heater
- Fireplace
- Kids Welcome
- Washer & Dryer
- Parking
- TV
- No Smoking
Bedrooms
- 5 Bedrooms, Sleeps 12
- Bedroom 11 king
- Bedroom 21 king, 2 baby crib
- Bedroom 31 queen
- Bedroom 42 twin/ single
- Bedroom 51 sleep sofa /futon, Double sofa bed in second living room next to double bedroom
Bathrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1toilet, shower, bidet
- Bathroom 2toilet, combination tub/shower, bidet
Location Type
- Rural
- Village
Theme
- Away From It All
- Family
- Historic
- Romantic
- Tourist Attractions
Meals
- Catering available
General
- Linens ProvidedAll bed linen provided (changed weekly)
- Air ConditioningNo air conditioning, but an electric fan in every bedroom
- Fireplace
- Hair Dryer
- HeatingFull central heating
- InternetWifi now available throughout the house, on the terrace and by the pool.
- Iron & Board
- ElevatorNo lift, but access to first floor, ground floor and terrace without using stairs (as the house is on a sloping site)
- Living RoomLiving room 1: corner sofa, hifi (with iPod/iPhone dock/charger or Bluetooth connection), games - access to terrace. Living room 2: double sofa bed, TV & DVD, library, toys - access to bedroom 2.
- ParkingPlenty of room for car parking close to house
- TelephoneNo landline, but excellent mobile signal and wifi available.
- Towels ProvidedPool towels and bathroom towels (changed weekly)
- Tumble DryerNo tumble drier but there is a clothes dryer for the terrace and a clothes line among the cherry trees
- Washing Machine
Kitchen
- Microwave
- Coffee MakerCafetiere, coffee filter and percolator
- Dishwasher
- Freezer
- KitchenFully equipped modern kitchen with electric oven, microwave, gas hob, fridge/freezer & dishwasher. Dining table inside for 10, or outside under the shady pergola for 14.
- Dishes & Utensils
- OvenElectric oven
- Pantry Items
- Refrigerator
- StoveGas hob
- Toaster
Dining
- Child's Highchair
- DiningDining table in the kitchen sits 10, or outside under the shady pergola there's room for 14. We also have 2 high chairs.
- Dining Room
- comfy seating for 10 people
Entertainment
- BooksWide range of books for children, teenagers and adults - feel free to leave one, take one
- DVD PlayerBig DVD library with films for all ages.
- GamesWide range of board games, cards, boules, table tennis, etc.
- Music LibraryWide range of CDs.
- Ping Pong Table
- StereoStereo with cassette CD and radio - plus iPod/iPhone dock/charger. Portable Bluetooth speaker for use on the terrace or by the pool.
- Television
- ToysWide range of toys for younger children
- Video LibraryWide range of DVDs - suitable for all ages, including feature films and children's shows.
Outside
- Deck / PatioThe house gets sun from dawn to dusk. There are sun terraces around the pool and elsewhere, plus plenty of shady areas too, all with great views.
- GolfThere are several golf courses within easy reach of Covivoli, eg near Perugia, about 45 mins away.
- Lawn / GardenCovivoli is set in 2 acres of olive, cherry and fig trees and surrounded by fields and woods.
- Outdoor GrillAvailable on request
- TennisThere is a major tennis and sports centre in Caprese Michelangelo, plus a municipal tennis court, just a few minutes away.
Pool / Spa
- Private PoolIt's big! 12 x 6 metres, and upto 2.0m deep, surrounded by a large sun terrace with 11 sun beds and 2 large parasols. Totally private and with fantastic views across the valley.
Onsite Services
- Private Chef
Attractions
- playground
- autumn foliage
- cinemas
- forests
- live theater
- museums
- churches
- recreation center
- restaurants
- ruins
- winery tours
- zoo
Leisure Activities
- bird watching
- horseback riding
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
Local Services & Businesses
- ATM/bank
- Babysitter
- fitness center
- groceries
- hospital
- massage therapist
- medical services
Sports & Adventure Activities
- cycling
- equestrian events
- freshwater fishing
- golf
- hiking
- hunting
- mountain biking
- mountain climbing
- swimming
- tennis
Notes
- Notes on accommodation: Covivoli is ideal for adults wanting a private house with pool in a beautiful, tranquil setting with amazing views. It's also great for families with kids. There are lots of toys and games (eg boules and an outdoor table tennis table), and a double swing amongst the trees. The grounds and surrounding countryside offer lots of space to play and explore. Our housekeeper and her husband, Fernanda and Mario, live half a mile down the lane. They keep a low profile (unless you're lucky enough for Fernanda to bring you one of her wonderful apple cakes, or you've asked her to cook for you) but they are always available should you need any help or advice.
House Rules
Check-in: 4:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Cancellation Policy
100% refund if canceled at least 60 days before arrival date. You must contact the owner directly to request cancellation.
19 Reviews
Latest reviews
A wonderful getaway
This was our second time at Covivoli and were a little anxious that it had not changed from the picture we still had in our mind of our first time there, especially since we were taking some family with us this time. We need not have worried. It was still wonderful and the family loved it. The setting of this place is just so amazing. The views are still magnificent and the house is comfortable and very easy to live in. The patio was everyone's favourite and we had some great evenings there, eating, drinking and having fun together. The pool is a great area for the children and the adults to relax around too. Thank you for keeping this place as is. We love it and can't wait to go back.
Beautiful farmhouse in stunning location
Our third stay at Covivoli and it was every bit as good as we remembered it. The house is lovely - spacious, spotlessly clean and very well equipped. The pool and surrounding area were great for relaxing and the covered eating terrace gave a welcome respite from the endless sunshine. The surrounding countryside is beautiful and totally unspoilt by tourism and there are numerous local places to eat, offering delicious Tuscan cuisine, at reasonable prices. If you are looking for a totally relaxing, get away from it all holiday, it would be hard to find a nicer place to stay than Covivoli.
It is set in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, in a remote hamlet and a car is therefore essential for getting around. If you can tear yourself away from the pool, there are numerous towns and villages to visit in the vicinity, either for eating out or wandering around, taking in the local history and the area is served by good supermarkets.
We would thoroughly recommend a stay at Covivoli and definitely want to return for another visit in the not too distant future.
great place!!!
Home is wonderfully located and very comfortable. The pool is great and views are outstanding Tuscany seems to be a paradise on earth (especially food, people and climate).
A beautiful, tranquil haven
The location is perfect, so peaceful yet close to lovely villages. The house is stunning and has everything you could need and is very much a home from home. Really can't fault it.
Rapture in Tuscany
We had a great stay in this wonderful villa. The scenery was breathtaking with mountains, olive trees, fig and cherry trees surrounding the property. I brought a book to read but it was difficult to concentrate with the breathtaking views. It was a convenient to drive to the town of Pieve St. Stefano for grocery shopping and other local stores and restaurants. Everyone in town was very friendly and helpful as our Italian was very limited. We had everything we needed in this beautiful home. Plenty of supplies, towels utensils, etc. The bedrooms were very spacious and beds were very comfortable. We had a beautiful and spacious veranda to eat breakfast on every morning and to enjoy in the evening. Not sure if you planned it this way, but the very first evening an absolutely huge moon appeared over the mountains. What a great start to our first evening! Gareth and Kate have a book of detailed information of restaurants and towns to visit and how long it takes to get to each one. I also loved the information on your home, with the details and pictures of the renovations you did on the house. We were even able to use the swimming pool a couple of days, which is unusual this early in the season (May). Cinzia, the housekeeper, was wonderful and helped us with anything we needed. On the day before we left she made us the best raviolis stuffed with ricotta and spinach with a bolognese sauce! We loved it! There is not one thing I could add to this wonderful vacation. Gareth and Kate, thank you for making this beautiful memory possible for us. We are hoping to come back soon and stay longer.
Amazing location
We had a wonderful week at Covivoli Such a beautiful villa in a wonderful area of Tuscany Villa had everything we needed and it felt so peaceful We would certainly stay again and would recommend others to visit
Location
Special interest holidays: Great location for walking, horse-riding and cycling holidays. Cooking and pasta making courses are available. Cinzia, our housekeeper, is an experienced cook (he runs a local restaurant), and will often shop and cook dinner for you - arrange with her on arrival. There are many many fantastic restaurants nearby. (Our house guide has more details.) Travel: Use of a car is pretty much essential, although there is public transport (trains to Arezzo, buses to Anghiari and Caprese). Suitable airports include: Perugia - 1 hour; Rimini, Ancona & Bologna - all around 2 hours; Pisa & Rome - 2½ hours; and Venice - 3½ hours. Distances: Caprese Michelangelo 3km. Pieve 10km. Anghiari 15km. Sansepolcro 20km. Perugia 90km. Siena 100km. Assisi 100km. Rimini 110km. Florence 120km. Coast/Beach: West and East coasts reached in under two hours, Lake Trasimeno in an hour. (But remember, Covivoli has a big private swimming pool.) Further Details: Caprese Michelangelo has a small supermarket, pharmacy, doctor’s surgery, post office, bars, pizzeria, police station, bank and some fantastic restaurants. Pieve has a decent supermarket and Sansepolcro has a much wider selection of supermarkets and good shops and restaurants. In fact, there are many very good local restaurants within 10-15 minutes drive from the house. Several local markets can be found in local towns, our favourite being Anghiari on Wednesday mornings, but there are bigger ones further afield. Look out too for the various music, food and artisan festivals, farmers markets and antiques fairs that take place throughout the year in many of the local towns. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us.
Rates & Availability
Additional information about rental rates
PLEASE NOTE: Due to high demand, we are only able to take bookings SATURDAY to SATURDAY during peak periods. (Autumn/Winter and Winter/Spring breaks of 3 or more days are possible.) Arrival after 4pm, departure by 10am, unless arranged beforehand. Prices include electricity, gas and water, weekly maid and pool service, bed linen, bath and pool towels, and a small welcome pack. Special prices available for lets longer than 2 weeks and for last-minute bookings.. Please contact us for details.